Priest Accused Of Threatening To Kill Another Priest At New Jersey Retreat

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FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — Threatening to kill is not what the bible teaches, but a priest in New Jersey is accused of doing just that.

As CBS 2’s Christine Sloan reported, the Vocationist Fathers Retreat and Conference Center in Florham Park, N.J. is a place priests go to for spiritual development, but what happened on the grounds was anything but peaceful.

Catholic priest Father Frank Hreno is accused of threatening to kill fellow priest Emeka Okwuosa, according to a criminal complaint.

Although the complaint only charges Hreno with threatening to kill, Okwuosa also said Hreno stabbed him in the arm with a metal crucifix.

Okwuosa, who did not want to be shown on camera, showed Sloan a scar on his right arm, but said he holds no grudges and is praying for Hreno.

Hreno, who is staying with his parents in Whippany, would not comment on the charge, Sloan reported.

Sources told CBS 2 a dispute over the use of a car at the retreat sparked the incident.

Hreno’s neighbors were shocked by the allegations.

“He was a young kid when he moved in, he was always a real sweet kid,” said Trudy Weinacher.

In court, Hreno pleaded not guilty and was ordered to stay away from Okwuosa.

The Vocationist Fathers belong to a clerical religious congregation founded in Italy. CBS 2 was unable to reach anyone for comment in their office in Rome.